Local businesses find hard workers through NTI

Northern Transitions Inc. works quietly behind the scenes to help people in special circumstances lead productive lives through meaningful employment.

Sometimes the best way to understand the work of a non-profit is through the stories of people helped by its services. We endeavor to tell those stories here.

Jon Bronicheski hangs pizza coupons on household doorknobs throughout Sault Ste. Marie. This flyer means more than just a discount meal to its 31-year-old distributor. It means responsibility, income, and purpose – all bestowed upon him thanks to meaningful employment through Northern Transitions Inc (NTI).

Despite a talent for numbers and a big heart, this Sault Ste. Marie native had difficulty finding employment due to his mild autism and some lasting damage to his central nervous system since childhood. Today, he holds down two jobs – a weekly coupon distribution for Guido’s Pizza and three days per week sorting items at the Chippewa County Recycling Center.

Jon has been working with NTI for 12 years and has experimented with a number of jobs during that time. In 2012, the organization was assisting 40 individuals placed in community employment – each holding different jobs based upon what’s appropriate for them at the time. On average, those 40 people worked 15 hours per week at a rate of $7.73 per hour in 2012.

Jon, like others seeking community employment, advanced to different positions over time, based on interests, needs and capabilities. In his current position, Jon says it is working outdoors and the occasional pepperoni pizza that puts Guido’s at the top of his favorite job list.

“I go around to houses during the summer and businesses during the winter. I like being outside, depending on the weather. The people are always nice,” he reports. He and his job coach, NTI’s Cindy Lee, make the rounds, visiting different areas each week based upon a list provided by Guido’s.

His mother, Jane, says it also provides him an opportunity for exercise. “When he was younger, I would take him for walks. Two blocks from home, he would want to call a taxi,” she recalls with a laugh. Now he is on his feet walking door to door for two hours at a stretch.

Guido’s owner Carrie Raynard describes Jon as a good worker.

“Jon is a great asset to Guido’s. For two years, he has kept our flyers in front of customers. Rain or shine, he’s here and it is a pleasure to have him as part of our team,” Raynard remarked.

Jane and Mike Bronicheski speak glowingly of NTI and its impact on their son.

“He has responsibility and something to do with his life other than watching TV. He has purpose,” Mike comments, adding, “He needs a productive life and there’s not a lot of opportunity.”

His work at the recycling center also provides a great learning experience, according to his mother. For one thing, he is paid according to his productivity. At times, the magazines before him have provided some temptation.

Mike explains that “if he slacks off, he gets paid less. When he brings home a big check, I’ll say ‘wow, you’re working hard’ and he gets a big grin on his face.”

Illustrating that each of us has something to give to our community, Jon spends some of his free time volunteering at Hearthside Assisted Living.

“We help the residents with bingo. I pass out the chips and my friend does the cards. We help the residents and it is a lot of fun,” he says.